Optigo Biotherapeutics, a biotechnology company focused on long-acting intravitreal biologics, was awarded the People’s Choice Award at Eyecelerator 2025 in Park City, Utah. The recognition coincided with the company’s presentation of preclinical data at the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) annual meeting in Salt Lake City.

The company’s approach centers on bifunctional fusion proteins that link anti-VEGF therapeutics, such as aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron), to albumin or hyaluronan, 2 endogenous proteins. The anchoring strategy is designed to prolong the half-life of the drug, allowing fewer injections for patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD), diabetic macular edema (DME), and retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

At ARVO, the company reported that in VEGF challenge animal models, the modified molecules remained active for 6 months or longer, showing a 2x to 3x half-life increase over aflibercept alone. Optigo reported no signs of inflammation and a favorable safety profile in the preclinical studies.

Houman Hemmati, MD, PhD, Optigo’s chief medical officer and co-founder, said the company’s goal is to reduce the burden of frequent injections while maintaining therapeutic benefit. Optigo’s presentation, delivered during the Retina TKI and Drug Delivery Showcase, emphasized the global need for therapies that improve patient adherence while preserving visual outcomes.

The company remains in the preclinical stage but is actively pursuing development partnerships and investment to advance its lead candidates toward clinical trials. RP